Page 111 of Verdict

I knew Weston was planning to retire within the next year or so. I just didn’t realize we were already at that point. When Weston and Caroline finished their conversation, I rushed over and wrapped him in a hug. “I didn’t know you were retiring and moving back this year!” I squeezed him. “I’m so excited!”

Weston huffed a laugh. “Easy, Ava. You’re killing my ribs.”

I released him and smiled so he could continue.

“Yup, moving back in a few months. Our parents are getting older. I’ve accomplished what I set out to do in the SEALs. It’s time I take over as CFO. Plus, all my siblings keep popping out kids, figured I should be around so they had an actual positive influence."

“Happy to have you back home, big bro.” I leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.

He nodded and then looked toward my large kitchen island, where trays of food and desserts were still half full.

“Seems like a lot of food wasted. Why did your planner order so much? I’d be pissed to waste that much money. This wasn’t that large of a party.”

Weston always liked to critique—especially when it came to money… which I suppose would serve him well now that he was becoming the new CFO for our parents’ winery and vineyard.

As I was about to open my mouth, Hollis appeared out of nowhere. “Seems you have a lot of opinions for someone who had zero involvement in this event—let alone someone who wasn’t even on the guest list.”

Weston squared his shoulders, looking down at my event planner. Hollis was tall—she had to be at least five-foot-nine or five-foot-ten—but with Weston being six-foot-five, there was still a vast difference.

“It was an observation.” His eyes flicked down and then back up, as if sizing her up. “And let’s get something real clear. This is my family. I’m always on the guest list.”

Cohen and I stood quietly, our eyes bouncing between the heated exchange. The tension was thick, the air heavy. Luckily, my mom made her way over and placed her hand on Weston’s arm. “West, honey. I’m glad you’re here.” She gestured toward Hollis. “This is Hollis Bradley. Our new in-house event planner.”

Cohen choked on the macaron in his mouth, trying to hide the grin forming on his face as I elbowed him in the ribs.

Completely unaware of the uncomfortable tension vibrating between the two, my mom beamed at Hollis. “Hollis, this is my eldest son, Weston. He’s moving back to take over as CFO. You two will be working together.”

My eyes darted toward Hollis. She quickly schooled her features and straightened her spine before extending a hand. “Nice to meet you, Weston.” Her tone was polite. Barely.

I glanced back at Weston. He stood tall, face neutral, as he took her hand with a nod. “Nice to meet you too.”

He was unreadable to everyone else, but I could see he was pissed. It was in the way he clenched and flexed his hand after the handshake. The way his eyes ever so slightly narrowed as he studied Hollis.

Oh yeah. That was going to be a problem.

I clapped my hands together to break the awkwardness. “Well, that is awesome, Hollis! Welcome to the family.” I pulled her into a hug.

She had no idea what she’d signed up for.

Poor girl.

I was planning to wait for some big, special moment. But as we sat on the back patio of our new house overlooking the hills dusted in various shades of blue, yellow, and purple… I couldn’t think of a better time.

Cohen draped his arm across the back of the couch. “You did good today, Trouble. Addison’s shower looked great. She seemed really happy.”

I glanced up at him. “It was all Hollis. She’s incredible.”

He dropped a kiss on the top of my head. “You’re incredible.”

I rolled my eyes with a laugh. “What a line, CoJo.”

He pinched my side. “I’m serious.”

I pushed off the couch. “I actually have something for you.”

“See? Incredible.”

I grabbed the folder off the table and settled back in next to him.